ERC flags surge in online hate speech, records 45 warnings in four weeks

(Kaieteur News) – The Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) recorded 45 cautionary warnings for ethnic hate speech on social media and other online platforms between September 26 and October 23, 2026, an increase from the 33 warnings issued during the preceding reporting period.

According to the Commission’s October activity report, the warnings covered several categories of offensive and divisive content, including 12 instances of standalone racial slurs, 10 involving religious intolerance and another 10 relating to racially prejudiced or insensitive remarks.

The Media Monitoring Unit (MMU) also flagged five instances of xenophobic content, three each involving racially divisive and derogatory remarks, and two involving racially hateful comments.